First aid for mental health

The Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences now has a first aider for mental health, Dr. Katja Flemming. We talked to her about what Mental Health First Aid (MHFA ) is all about and what services are available to those affected.

What does Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) mean?

Mental Health First Aid means providing first aid for mental stress or crises – similar to physical first aid, but for mental health. Mental health first aiders are there to listen, provide guidance, and support those affected in taking the next steps. This is always done confidentially, respectfully, and on an equal footing. MHFA is not a substitute for therapy or professional treatment, but it closes the critical gap between “I notice that something is wrong” and “I know where to turn for help.” The goal of first responders is to reduce barriers and taboos and show that it is perfectly okay to seek help.

What responsibilities and tasks does the role involve?

As a Mental Health First Aid, I am the point of contact for anyone who is facing mental health challenges or is concerned about others.

My tasks include:

• Providing first aid in mental health emergencies
• Listening attentively without judging
• Conveying a sense of security, especially in difficult moments
• Providing guidance and information about available support services
• Reducing stigma and promoting an open culture of dialogue

An important part of my job is also to take preventive action: being visible and raising awareness, breaking down barriers to communication, and showing that it is okay to ask for support.

What motivated you to complete the qualification?

I was motivated by several things. First of all, mental distress is not uncommon: within a year, almost 30% of the adult German population suffers from a mental disorder. Unfortunately, these problems are still highly taboo. Many sufferers are reluctant to open up because they are afraid of being misunderstood or devalued, especially in a professional context. I would like to help change this.

When I witnessed a crisis situation in my private life a few years ago, I wanted to make sure that I would actually be able to help the next time. I wanted to learn how to provide adequate support, how to conduct conversations safely and how to react to stress at an early stage. And I wanted to actively contribute to mental health being taken just as seriously as physical health. The MHFA qualification was a way for me to take on responsibility and make a positive impact in my immediate environment.

Working as an MHFA creates a safe space in which mental health can be discussed openly. I see myself as someone who builds an initial bridge between the overwhelm of the moment and the opportunities that exist to regain stability: "You can turn to me at any time - no matter how big or small your concern seems. You don't have to go through difficult phases alone."

Contact

© TUD | Sven Ellger

Employee Student Affairs

Name

Ms Dr. Katja Flemming

Student Affairs, Quality of Teaching, Internationalization

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Organization Name

Dean's Office "Friedrich List" Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences

Dean's Office "Friedrich List" Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences

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Gerhart-Potthoff-Bau, Raum 155A Hettnerstraße 3

01069 Dresden

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